Syria has received many visitors since the civil war ended – but what it really wants is tourists
Mourhaf Nazha cut a lonely figure at his family's hotel business during the civil war. Few customers were staying at their Golden Mazzeh hotel in west Damascus as renovation was under way to open another, the landmark Royal Semiramis in the centre of the city. “We had the odd business customer from Aleppo or Homs, but that was it,” says Mr Nazha, who presides over the Federation of Syrian…
Since the end of Syria's civil war, the country has attracted a number of visitors, but its primary goal is to become a tourist destination. Mourhaf Nazha, head of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Tourism, notes that while the landmark Royal Semiramis hotel in central Damascus is now bustling with business executives and returning Syrians, tourist numbers remain low, particularly from Gulf countries and Western nations.
The country boasts historical sites, religious landmarks, and natural attractions, but persistent violence and infrastructure damage have deterred tourism. Despite the government's business-friendly policies, only a few thousand visitors have arrived in Syria since the conflict ended. However, the construction of a new terminal at Damascus airport and the revamp of coastal hotels are expected to boost tourism.
The government aims to attract more visitors by addressing security concerns and improving infrastructure. As sanctions are lifted and travel becomes easier, Mr Nazha believes that Syria is poised for a tourism boom in the near future.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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